Virtual reality/augmented reality rapid deployment system

ABSTRACT

A system includes a head-mounted virtual reality/augmented reality (VR/AR) display system, comprising a processor, wherein the processor is configured to display an image on a graphical display of the head-mounted VR/AR display system. The system further includes a scaffolding system comprising a headpiece configured to be worn by a user; wherein the headpiece comprises at least one fastener configured to fasten and unfasten the head-mounted VR/AR display system to the headpiece, and configured to fasten and unfasten a headgear to the headpiece.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16/201,719,filed Nov. 27, 2018; which claims priority to and the benefit of U.S.Provisional Application No. 62/619,618 filed Jan. 19, 2018, both ofwhich are hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety for allpurposes.

FIELD OF DISCLOSURE

The present disclosure relates generally to the field of virtual realityand/or augmented reality. More specifically, embodiments of the presentdisclosure relate to systems and methods utilized to provide for rapiddeployment of virtual reality and augmented reality experiences.

BACKGROUND

This section is intended to introduce the reader to various aspects ofart that may be related to various aspects of the present disclosure,which are described and/or claimed below. This discussion is believed tohelp provide the reader with background information to facilitate abetter understanding of the various aspects of the present disclosure.Accordingly, it is understood that these statements are to be read inthis light, and not as admissions of prior art.

Various amusement rides have been created to provide passengers withunique motion and visual experiences. For example, virtual realityand/or augmented reality systems may be used in conjunction with themerides and can be implemented with multi-passenger vehicles that travelalong a fixed path. In addition to the excitement created by the speedor change in direction of the vehicles as they move along the path, thevirtual reality and augmented reality systems themselves may generatespecial effects (e.g., graphic and/or sound effects) that are presentedto the passenger. Although a repeat rider may be familiar with thegeneral path of the ride, the special effects may create interest duringsecond and subsequent rides. In another example, certain rides may beimplemented with virtual projection elements to create varying sceneryand movement as the passenger vehicles travel along the path, to add animmersive experience. Donning and subsequently removing the virtualand/or augmented reality systems from each passenger takes time.Accordingly, it is now recognized that there is a need for improvedvirtual and/or augmented reality systems that may be deployed morerapidly.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION

Certain embodiments commensurate in scope with the originally claimedsubject matter are summarized below. These embodiments are not intendedto limit the scope of the disclosure, but rather these embodiments areintended only to provide a brief summary of certain disclosedembodiments. Indeed, the present disclosure may encompass a variety offorms that may be similar to or different from the embodiments set forthbelow.

In accordance with one embodiment, a system includes a head-mountedvirtual reality/augmented reality (VR/AR) system, including a processor,wherein the processor is configured to display an image on a graphicaldisplay of the head-mounted VR/AR display system. The system furtherincludes a scaffolding system including a headpiece configured to beworn by a user; wherein the headpiece includes at least one fastenerconfigured to fasten and unfasten the head-mounted VR/AR display systemto the headpiece, and configured to fasten and unfasten a headgear tothe headpiece.

In accordance with another embodiment, a passenger vehicle includes ahead-mounted virtual reality/augmented reality (VR/AR) system. Thehead-mounted VR/AR display system includes a processor, wherein theprocessor is configured to display an image on a graphical display ofthe head-mounted VR/AR display system. The head-mounted VR/AR displaysystem further includes a fastener configured to fasten and unfasten thehead-mounted VR/AR display system to a headpiece included in ascaffolding system, wherein the headpiece is configured to be worn by auser of the passenger vehicle.

In accordance with another embodiment, a system includes a scaffoldingsystem including a headpiece configured to be worn by a user. Theheadpiece includes at least one fastener configured to fasten andunfasten a head-mounted virtual reality/augmented reality (VR/AR) systemto the headpiece, and configured to fasten and unfasten a headgear tothe headpiece.

DRAWINGS

These and other features, aspects, and advantages of the presentdisclosure will become better understood when the following detaileddescription is read with reference to the accompanying drawings in whichlike characters represent like parts throughout the drawings, wherein:

FIG. 1 is a schematic representation of an embodiment of a rapiddeployment virtual reality/augmented reality system in the context of anamusement park ride, in accordance with an aspect of the presentdisclosure;

FIG. 2 is perspective view of an embodiment of a scaffolding systemheadpiece suitable for use in conjunction with the rapid deploymentvirtual reality/augmented reality system of FIG. 1 on a user's head, inaccordance with an aspect of the present disclosure;

FIG. 3 is a top view of an embodiment of the headpiece of FIG. 2, inaccordance with an aspect of the present disclosure;

FIG. 4 is a side view of an embodiment of the headpiece of FIG. 2, inaccordance with an aspect of the present disclosure;

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of an embodiment of the headpiece of FIG. 2disposed on a user's head, in accordance with an aspect of the presentdisclosure;

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a user adjusting an embodiment of ascaffolding system headpiece, in accordance with an aspect of thepresent disclosure;

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of embodiments of the rapid deploymentvirtual reality/augmented reality system of FIG. 1 worn by users, inaccordance with an aspect of the present disclosure;

FIG. 8 is a perspective front view of an embodiment of a locking lap barincluded in a passenger seat system, the locking lap bar includingcomponents of the rapid deployment virtual reality/augmented realitysystem of FIG. 1, in accordance with an aspect of the presentdisclosure;

FIG. 9 is a perspective rear view of an embodiment of a passenger seatsystem including components of the rapid deployment virtualreality/augmented reality system of FIG. 1, in accordance with an aspectof the present disclosure; and

FIG. 10 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a virtualreality/augmented reality display system in accordance with an aspect ofthe present disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

One or more specific embodiments of the present disclosure will bedescribed below. In an effort to provide a concise description of theseembodiments, all features of an actual implementation may not bedescribed in the specification. It should be appreciated that in thedevelopment of any such actual implementation, as in any engineering ordesign project, numerous implementation-specific decisions must be madeto achieve the developers' specific goals, such as compliance withsystem-related and business-related constraints, which may vary from oneimplementation to another. Moreover, it should be appreciated that sucha development effort might be complex and time consuming, but wouldnevertheless be a routine undertaking of design, fabrication, andmanufacture for those of ordinary skill having the benefit of thisdisclosure.

Present embodiments of the disclosure are directed to rapid deploymentvirtual/augmented reality (VR/AR) systems that may be used, for example,as part of an amusement park ride or attraction. Amusement park ridesmay include passenger vehicle rides in which single-passenger and/ormulti-passenger vehicles carry passengers along a fixed track.Passengers may sit inside the passenger vehicle and be secured via apassenger retention system. The passenger vehicle may then proceed atvarying speeds along the fixed path. Adding VR/AR systems to enhance thepassenger experience would be beneficial. However, extra time to don, todoff, and to prepare a VR/AR system for the next ride iteration mayresult in a total ride time long enough to make the use ofvirtual/augmented reality systems difficult and/or not financiallyviable.

The rapid deployment virtual/augmented reality systems described hereinmay be more easily donned and doffed by a passenger while being seatedin a passenger vehicle, and may be more easily prepared by ridepersonnel for the next ride iteration. In certain embodiments, thevirtual/augmented reality systems may include a scaffolding system thatincludes a single-piece headpiece or a unitary headpiece that may comein various sizes. The headpiece may be donned by a passenger beforebeing seated in the passenger vehicle. For example, the headpiece may beprovided before the start of the ride and fitted to the passenger whilethe passenger is waiting in line to enter the passenger vehicle.

The headpiece may be adjusted using certain fastening techniques, asfurther described herein, that may enable the improved mating andremoval of VR/AR display systems, such as VR/AR goggles. The fasteningtechniques may additionally permit the fastening of non VR/AR headgear,such as ball caps, hats, and so on, when the VR/AR display system is notin use. Indeed, the headpiece may be used to support both VR/AR displaysystems as well as other headgear, depending on desired use. Theheadgear may include ball caps, cowboy hats, other hats, head umbrellas,and so on, useful for protection from the elements as well as forexpression of various fashions by a theme park attendee. That is, theheadgear may be part of the rapid deployment virtual/augmented realitysystem and may augment the overall ride narrative (e.g., an astronauthelmet, a hard hat), or may be the user's own headgear. Accordingly, inone embodiment, the rapid deployment virtual/augmented reality systemmay be configured to be used in conjunction with the user's own baseballcap or other headgear so that the user feels more comfortable. Byproviding for rapid deployment VR/AR systems, the techniques describedherein may enable faster and more efficient theme rides.

While embodiments of the present disclosure are discussed in the contextof vehicle-based rides, it should be understood that the rapiddeployment VR/AR systems disclosed herein may be used with other typesof amusement attractions that would benefit from greater efficiency inattraction unloading and loading that may be achieved using thedisclosed techniques. For example, the present techniques may be used inconjunction with non-vehicle based attractions or shows. In one example,the rapid deployment VR/AR system may be used in conjunction with showseating.

FIG. 1 is a schematic representation of a rapid deployment VR/AR system10 in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure. As depicted, ascaffolding system 12 is provided, which may include a headpiece 50suitable for placement on a user's head as further described below. Thescaffolding system headpiece 50 may be provided in different sizesand/or shapes suitable for use by a variety of passengers 14 of variousages, and may be adjustable. In certain embodiments, the scaffoldingsystem 12 may include one or more processors 16 and one or more memorydevices 18. The processor(s) 16 may include multiple microprocessors,one or more other integrated circuits (e.g., application specificintegrated circuits, field programmable gate arrays, reduced instructionset processors, and the like), or some combination thereof. The one ormore processors 16 and one or more memory devices 18 may be integralwith the headpiece 50 or may be part of a separate or removablecomponent that may also be donned and doffed.

The one or more memory devices 18 may include a tangible,non-transitory, machine-readable-medium, such as a volatile memory(e.g., a random access memory (RAM)), one or more storage devices (e.g.,nonvolatile storage devices) that may include read-only memory (ROM),flash memory, a hard drive, or any other suitable optical, magnetic, orsolid-state storage medium, or any combination thereof. The memorydevice(s) 18 may store a variety of information and be used for variouspurposes. For example, the memory device(s) 18 may storemachine-readable and/or processor-executable instructions (e.g.,firmware or software) for the processor(s) 16 to execute, such asinstructions to determine a type of VR/AR display system 20 to interfacewith. The instructions may further include user profiles specific toeach user 14 that may detail user information (e.g., age, gender) and/oruser preferences for the VR/AR display system 20 (e.g., font size,volume, display resolution). The scaffolding system 12 may furtherinclude a battery power supply 22 suitable for providing power to thescaffolding system 12 and/or to the VR/AR display system 20.

The VR/AR display system 20 may include a graphics display system 24,such as goggles, that may display or project media such as images,video, text, and so on. The VR/AR display system 20 also may include anaudio system 26 that may project sound, for example to the user's earsbinaurally. Processor(s) 28 and one or more memory devices 30 may alsobe included. The processor(s) 28 may include multiple microprocessors,one or more other integrated circuits (e.g., application specificintegrated circuits, field programmable gate arrays, reduced instructionset processors, and the like), or some combination thereof. The one ormore memory devices 30 may include a tangible, non-transitory,machine-readable-medium, such as a volatile memory (e.g., RAM), one ormore storage devices (e.g., nonvolatile storage devices) that mayinclude ROM, flash memory, a hard drive, or any other suitable optical,magnetic, or solid-state storage medium, or any combination thereof. Thememory device(s) 30 may store a variety of information and be used forvarious purposes. For example, the memory device(s) 30 may storemachine-readable and/or processor-executable instructions (e.g.,firmware or software) for the processor(s) 28 to execute, such asinstructions to display or to project images, text, video, audio, and soon, via the VR/AR display system 20.

The VR/AR display system 20 may include a communications interface 32suitable for communicating with external systems (e.g., computingsystems such as servers, notebooks, smartphones, laptops, tablets,smartwatches, and so on) via wired techniques (e.g., Ethernet conduits,universal serial bus (USB) conduits, high definition multimediainterface (HDMI) conduits, and so on), and/or wireless techniques (e.g.,WiFi, mesh networks, Bluetooth, Zigbee, and so on). The VR/AR displaysystem 20 may also include or operatively couple with a power supplysystem 34 that provides electrical power to the VR/AR display system 20and/or to the scaffolding system 12.

It is to be understood that the VR/AR display system 20 may use VRtechniques, AR techniques, or a combination thereof. For example, the VRtechniques may include presenting sensory information (e.g., imagesincluding video, sound, haptic feedback, force feedback, smell) that mayimmerse the user 14 in a 3-dimensional (3D) (and/or a 2-dimensional(2D)) environment. AR techniques may include superimposing a 2D and/or3D environment onto user's 14 view of the real world, thus providing acomposite view (e.g., real world view augmented with a computer-derivedview) and enhancing the theme park ride.

In use, the passengers 14 may don the scaffolding system 12 by placingthe scaffolding system headpiece 50 onto their heads and then proceedingin line for entry into a single or multi-passenger vehicle 36. Incertain embodiments, the VR/AR display system 20 may be disposed in thepassenger vehicle 36. Accordingly, upon entry into the passenger vehicle36, the passengers 14 may already have the scaffolding system headpiece50 in place, and may then toollessly mate the VR/AR display system 20with the scaffolding system 12. For example, a toolless mating mayinvolve a successful mating without any additional components other thanthe scaffolding system 12 and the VR/AR display system 20. That is, thescaffolding system 12 and the VR/AR display system 20 carry (integrallyor otherwise coupled to one of the scaffolding system 12 or the VR/ARdisplay system 20) all components to achieve successful mating betweenthem. Further, the scaffolding system 12 and the VR/AR display system 20may also be configured for toolless uncoupling from one another.

Techniques further described below permit a faster and improved matingof the VR/AR display system 20 with the scaffolding system 12 so thatqueues of passengers 14 may move more efficiently and so that the reuseof the VR/AR display system 20 may be improved. Further, the techniquesdescribed herein provide for non-VR/AR headgear such as, ball caps 38,head umbrella or tennis cap 40, hats 42, and so on. It is it beunderstood that the non-VR/AR headgear may include a variety of hats,caps (e.g., baseball caps, golf caps, visors, small umbrellas worn as aheadcover, and so on). Indeed, the users 14 may purchase a variety ofnon-VR/AR headgear to mate with the scaffolding system 12 by using thesame of similar mating techniques that may be used to mate the VR/ARdisplay system 20 to the scaffolding system 12. Accordingly, thescaffolding system (e.g., the headpiece 50) may include a separatemating feature configured to mate with the headgear. To eliminatemiscoupling, the headgear mating feature may be configured not to coupleto the VR/AR display system 20. In certain embodiments, the headgear 38,40, 42 may not include any electronics. In other embodiments, theheadgear 38, 40, 42 may include certain devices 39 such as lights (e.g.,LED lights), low voltage displays (e.g., OLED, E-ink, and so on), andthe like, useful in displaying logos, animations, and so on, which maybe powered via the battery power supply system 22. The devices 39 mayalso include radio frequency identification (RFID) tags useful inidentifying the type of headgear 38, 40, 42. For example, thescaffolding system 12 may identify via processor(s) 16 that the headgearworn is the ball cap 38 and display certain logos, provide discounts atpoint-of-sale terminals, track frequent user points, and so on on theheadgear. In an embodiment, the headgear may act as an AR feature for ARdisplay systems 20, such that users 14 wearing the headgear areindicated as having a particular designation or appearance via the ARdisplay.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of an embodiment of the headpiece 50 of thescaffolding system 12. In the depicted embodiment, the headpiece 50 issingle piece (e.g., single component or unitary assembly) that may bemolded, extruded, 3D printed, and so on, from a variety of materialssuch as acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS), phthalate-free polyvinylchloride (PVC), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), low-densitypolyethylene (LDPE), polypropylene, silicone, polyamide, plastics ofvarious types, metals, and the like. The headpiece 50 may bemanufactured in various shapes and/or sizes, (e.g., small, medium,large, extra large), to accommodate users 14 of varying head anatomies.Accordingly, in one embodiment, the headpiece 50 may not have adjustablecomponents (e.g., buckles, straps) that change the headpiece size orconfiguration. Instead, the user 14 selects a closest size amongdifferent headpieces 50.

The headpiece 50 may include a headband section 52, which may bemanufactured in a circular shape, an oval shape, an elliptical shape,and so on, forming an opening 54 suitable for the insertion of a user'shead. In the depicted embodiment, four curved prong sections 56, 58, 60,62 extend outwardly from the headband section 52 to encircle and besupported by a user's head when in use. Each curved prong section 56,58, 60, 62 may include a slot 64 extending from the headband section 52towards a tip 65 of each respective curved prong section 56, 58, 60, 62.The slots 64 may be useful in providing ventilation and in reducing anoverall weight of the headpiece 50. In use, the tip 65 may be disposedon a crown section of the user's head. It is to be understood that whilethe depicted embodiment shows four curved prong sections 56, 58, 60, 62,other embodiments may include fewer or more curved prong sections.

In certain embodiments, certain mechanical and/or magnetic attachmenttechniques may be used to mate the VR/AR display system 20 to theheadpiece 50. For example, ledges or female receptacles 66 may be usedto support the VR/AR display system 20 and/or to mate with certainprotrusions included in the VR/AR display system 20. Additionally oralternatively a forehead shelf section 68 may provide an attachment areafor the VR/AR display system 20 and may be proximate to the user's 14forehead when in use. For example, the shelf section 68 may include oneor more magnets 70 (e.g., rare earth magnets) disposed along a length ofthe shelf section 68.

The magnets 70 may magnetically couple with corresponding magnets on theVR/AR display system 20 to aid in securing the VR/AR display system 20while in use, e.g., fastening in a toolless manner. The magnets 70 mayaid in providing for an improved attachment mechanism that may usesimple movements to place and secure the VR/AR display system 20 whilethe headpiece 50 is on the user's 14 head. Indeed, the magnets 70 may,through a magnetic “pull”, guide the VR/AR display 20 into a desiredposition on the headpiece 50. The magnets 70 may also be disposed inother sections of the headpiece 50, for example along the circumferenceof the headband section 52, on the curved prong sections 56, 58, 60, 62,and/or on the ledges 66. The magnets 70 may be electrically conductive,thus providing for signals and/or power to/and from the VR/AR displaysystem 20 and/or to and from the headgear 38, 40, 42. In this manner,the VR/AR display system 20 may be quickly placed on the user 14.Further, the headpiece 50 may be separately attached, fitted, adjusted,and/or secured for the comfort of the user 14 without the bulk andweight of the VR/AR display system 20 interfering with the user 14achieving a comfortable fit. In addition, the donning of the scaffoldingsystem 12 may be performed in a separate waiting area that may be lesssecure than the area holding the costlier VR/AR display systems 20. Thismay be beneficial, because users 14 may wish to move more freely as theyadjust or select different headpieces 50 and/or assist family members.Further, the donning or doffing process for the headpiece 50 may be moreprone to causing the headpiece 50 to fall. By removing this process fromthe coupling of the VR/AR display system 20, headpiece falls duringdonning or doffing will not cause damage to the VR/AR display system 20.Instead, the VR/AR display system 20 is fastened when the headpiece 50of the scaffolding system 12 is already securely positioned on the user14 and, similarly, is removed from the headpiece 50 before the headpiece50 itself is taken off the user's head.

FIG. 3 is a top view of an embodiment of the headpiece 50. As mentionedearlier, the headpiece 50 may be a single piece (or multiple assembledpieces) or component that may be molded, extruded, 3D printed, and soon, from a variety of materials. In the depicted embodiment, theheadpiece 50 includes the headband section 52 having an oval shape thatdefines the opening 54. Also shown are the four curved prong sections56, 58, 60, 62, each having the slot 64 and the ledges 66.

The figure also depicts the forehead shelf section 68, which may includethe magnets 70. As mentioned above, the magnets 70 may be electricallyconductive to providing for the transmission of electrical signalsand/or power. In embodiments of the headpiece 50 that include theprocessor 16, the memory 18, and/or the battery power supply 22, theshelf section 68 may also be used as a repository for the processor 16,the memory 18, and/or the battery power supply 22.

Turning now to FIG. 4, the figure is a side view of an embodiment of theheadpiece 50 showing the headband section 52 and three curved prongsections 56, 58, and 62 extending outwardly from the headband section52. Also shown are the shelves 66 disposed about head band section 52and extending from the slots 64. To don the headpiece 50, the user 14may insert his or her head through the opening 54 until the curved prongsections 56, 58, 60, 62 abut the head, as shown in FIG. 5.

FIG. 5 is a perspective of an embodiment of the scaffolding systemheadpiece 50 disposed on the users head. As depicted, the headpiece 50is disposed on the head of the user 14 so that the shelf section 68 ispositioned over the user's 14 eyes. The depicted embodiment of theheadpiece 50 additionally includes a nose support section 74 that may beused for further support a weight of the VR/AR display system 20. Alsoshown in the depicted embodiment is the ball cap 38 disposed onto theheadpiece 50. As mentioned earlier, non-VR/AR headgear, such as the ballcap 38, may be placed on a complementary mating feature of thescaffolding system 12, for example, for use when walking around a themepark. That is, the headpiece 50 or the scaffolding system 12 includingthe headpiece 12 may be a universal headpiece 50 that may be used formultiple rides. Instead of using park-provided borrowed headpieces 50,the user 14 may have a personal headpiece 50 or scaffolding system 12including the headpiece 50 that is worn throughout the park visit andthat couples to different VR/AR display systems 20 of the variousattractions. However, because the user 14 may find the headpiece 50 orscaffolding system 12 including the headpiece 50 unsightly, variousheadgear may be provided to cover the functional features. The headgearmay be selectable and/or swappable depending on the user preferences.

In the depicted embodiment, the headpiece 50 includes openings 76 in aheadband section 78 of the headpiece 50. Some of the openings 76 may beformed around temple sections 80. The temple sections 80 and ledges 82may further aid is supporting the weight of the VR/AR display system 20.Female receptacles 84 may also be used, for example, to mate withprotrusions of the VR/AR display system 20 for further attachment of theVR/AR display system 20 to the headpiece 50. Also shown is a crown bandsection 86, which may extend outwardly from the headband section 78 andbe disposed over the user's head. In some embodiments, the crown bandsection 86 may connect to the headband section 78 at a fore end 88 andat an aft end.

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a user adjusting an embodiment of aheadpiece 50 of the scaffolding system 12 having an adjustable headband92 in front of a mirror 94. In the depicted embodiment, the headpiece 50may be manufactured out of two or more components as opposed to being aone piece headband. Accordingly, a component such as knob 96 may be usedto provide for user adjustment of the headband 92 included in theheadpiece 50. For example, turning the knob 96 in a first direction(e.g., counterclockwise) may tighten the headband 92, while turning theknob 96 in a second direction opposite the first direction (e.g.,clockwise) may loosen the headband 92.

In the depicted embodiment, the headpiece 50 includes a single band(e.g., crown band section) 98 connected to the headband 92 on a foresection 100 and an aft section 102. The headpiece 50 may also includeearpiece sections 104 to aid in securing the headpiece 50 to the user14. Also shown are magnets 70 which may be used to magnetically fastenthe VR/AR display system 20 to the headpiece 50. As mentioned earlier,the magnets 70 may be electrically conductive, and thus may be used asconduits for signals and/or electric power. After donning of theheadpiece (e.g., headpiece 50), the user 14 may attach one of theheadwear, e.g., headwear 38. The user 14 may then for example, walkaround the theme park and proceed to enter a passenger vehicle in a ridethat includes VR/AR enhancements. The user 14 may then attach the VR/ARdisplay system 20 to the headpiece (e.g., headpiece 50) when seated inthe passenger vehicle 36, as shown in FIG. 7.

FIG. 7 is a perspective view an embodiment of the VR/AR display system20 used in conjunction with the amusement ride passenger vehicle 36 withusers 14 seated in the passenger vehicle 36. As depicted, the users 14are secured inside the passenger vehicle 36 with locking lap bars, 82,84. As shown, lock bar 80 has the VR/AR display system 20 secured insidea cavity 86, suitable for storing the VR/AR display system 20 in thepassenger vehicle 36. More specifically, the cavity 86 is disposed in alap bar cummerbund 88. The passenger 14 secured via the locking lap bar82 is shown as removing the VR/AR display system 20 from the locking lapbar 82 to place the VR/AR display system 20 on the scaffolding system12. The passenger 14 secured via the locking lap bar 82 is also shownwearing a headpiece 50 including glasses (e.g., prescription glasses)90, which may be kept on and used in conjunction with the scaffoldingsystem 12 and the VR/AR display system 20.

The user 14 secured via the locking lap bar 84 is shown as mating theVR/AR display system 20 with the scaffolding system 12. In the depictedembodiment, the VR/AR display system 20 includes one or more umbilicalconduits 92 that may be used to transmit electrical signals and/or powerto external computing devices located in the multi-passenger vehicle 36or communicatively and/or operatively coupled to the multi-passengervehicle 36. The umbilical conduits 92 may retract (e.g., via spring biasmechanism, electric motor assist, gravity assist, and so on) intorespective locking lap bars 80, 82, 84 and, in some embodiments, into acable reservoir 94. By providing for a more efficient storage anddeployment of the VR/AR display system 20, the techniques describedherein may enable a higher flow of passengers 14 through a VR/AR ride,and may improve the user 14 experience in the theme park.

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of an embodiment of the locking lap bar 80showing further details. In the depicted embodiment, the VR/AR displaysystem 20 is shown stored in the cavity 86 before use by the users 14.As mentioned earlier, the VR/AR display system 20 may include theumbilical conduits 92 which may retract via spring bias mechanism,electric motor assist, gravity assist, and so on, internally inside thelocking lap bar 80, the lap bar cummerbund 88, and/or the cablereservoir 94, aiding in more securely attaching the VR/AR display system20 into the cavity 86. Magnets may also be used to fasten the VR/ARdisplay 20 inside of the cavity 86.

The lap bar cummerbund 88 may include a trench (e.g., curved trench)100. Spills, rain, and the like, encountered during the theme ride, maybe funneled away from the VR/AR display system 20 via the trench 100.Because of its curved shape (e.g., scallop shape), the trench 100 mayalso facilitate cleaning any spills and improving maintenanceturnaround. Additionally, the lap bar cummerbund 88 may be manufacturedout of metals, plastic, or combinations thereof, having a materialand/or surface coating suitable for withstanding spills, outdoorexposure, and improving cleaning. Accordingly, maintenance personnel maymore quickly clean the multi-passenger vehicles 36, improving turnaroundtimes and ride availability time.

The lap bar cummerbund may, when disposed over the user's lap to secureusers 14 during the theme ride, position the VR/AR display system 20 asshown for easy access and deployment. Indeed, the users 14 may enter thepassenger vehicle 36, lock the locking lap bar 80, and then be presentedwith the VR/AR display system 20 positioned on their lap. Pullingoutwardly on the VR/AR display system 20 may remove the VR/AR displaysystem 20 from the cavity 86 for mating with the scaffolding system 12.The VR/AR display system 20 may thus be easily removed via manualmanipulation and mated onto the scaffolding system 12. Once mated withthe scaffolding system 12, power, data, and so on, may be provided tothe VR/AR display system 20 while in use via the umbilical conduits 92.The VR/AR display system 20 may then provide visual sensory experiencesvia the display 24, and auditory sensory experiences via the audiosystem 26.

FIG. 9 is a perspective rear view of an embodiment of a passenger seatsystem 110 having a locking lap bar 112. In the depicted embodiment, theVR/AR display system 20 is stored overhead, and more specifically, on a“hanging” overhead ledge 114 of the passenger seat system 110. In use,the user 14 would enter the passenger seat system 110 and sit down on aseat 116. The user 14 may then be secured in place via the locking lapbar 112 and subsequently retrieve the VR/AR display system 20, forexample, by reaching up and pulling downwardly, and then mate the VR/ARdisplay system 20 to the scaffolding system 12. As mentioned earlier,the VR/AR display system 20 may include the umbilical conduits 92, whichmay use a spring bias, an electric motor, and so on, to aid in securingthe VR/AR display system 20 to the overhead ledge 114. Magnets mayadditionally or alternatively be used to aid in securing the VR/ARdisplay system 20 to the overhead ledge 114.

Also shown are one or more computing devices 118 which may be disposedin the passenger seat system 110. The computing devices 118 maycommunicatively and/or operatively interface with the VR/AR displaysystem 20 to provide VR and/or AR environments to the user 14 as theuser 14 goes through the theme park ride. In the depicted embodiments,intake vents 120 provide for the entry of cooling air suitable forlowering a temperature of the computing devices 118 during operations.The cooling air may then exit the passenger seat system 110 throughexhaust vents 122 as heated air. After the theme ride is over, the user14 may detach the VR/AR display system 20 from the scaffolding system12, and may then return the VR/AR display system 20 to the overheadledge 114 for cleaning and/or for subsequent use.

The VR/AR display system 20 may include certain features, as shown inFIG. 10, that may improve usability and/or maintenance. For example,knobs 130, 132 may be provided to more easily focus and adjust thedisplay system 24. More specifically, the knob 130 may be used forfocusing while the knob 132 may be used for adjusting an inter-pupilarydistance of the user 14. The knobs 130, 132 may include knurls 134 forimproved manipulation and tactile feedback. The knobs 130, 132 may alsoprovide for a more understandable adjustment interface across varyingdemographics and countries of origin of the users 14.

The audio system 26 may include speaker arrays 136, which may providefor binaural audio, surround sound, and so on, as well as one or moremicrophones. The audio system 26 may be, in certain embodiments, aseparate and standalone system from the VR/AR display 20. That is, insome embodiments, the audio system 26 may include speaker arrays and/ormicrophones that may be worn by themselves. Temples 138 included in theVR/AR display 20 may also act as handles suitable for both securing thespeaker arrays 136 proximate to the passenger's ears as well as forholding or otherwise manipulating the VR/AR display 20. The temples 138may also include one or more magnets 70, which may aid in securing theVR/AR display system 20 to the scaffolding system 12 The umbilicalsystem 92 may include a flexible boot 140 which may enable a quickconnection/disconnection of the umbilical system 92 from the VR/ARdisplay system 20. Indeed, the umbilical conduit system 92 may include aconnector 142, such as an HDMI connector, USB, USB-C, Thunderbolt, or acombination thereof. Accordingly, the umbilical conduit system 92 maydeliver electric power, video, audio, text, images, and so on, to theVR/AR display system 20. The umbilical conduit system 92 may alsotransmit certain information derived from the VR/AR display system 20,such as a location in the display 24 that the user 14 is looking at,pupil dilation, head movement, head angle, and so on.

The VR/AR display system 20 may additionally include certain featuresuseful in cleaning and maintenance. For example, the VR/AR displaysystem 20 may include an outer shell 144 made of materials such asacrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS), phthalate-free polyvinyl chloride(PVC), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), low-density polyethylene(LDPE), polypropylene, silicone, polyamide, plastics of various types,metals, and the like, for improved cleaning and for enhancing protectionform the elements. The VR/AR display system 20 may additionally minimizeor eliminate user contact with certain components, such as display 24screens, electronics, audio gear, and so on. Accordingly, the VR/ARdisplay system 20 may have an improved number of operating hours.

While only certain features of the present disclosure have beenillustrated and described herein, many modifications and changes willoccur to those skilled in the art. It is, therefore, to be understoodthat the appended claims are intended to cover all such modificationsand changes as fall within the true spirit of the present disclosure.While certain disclosed embodiments have been disclosed in the contextof amusement or theme parks, it should be understood that certainembodiments may also relate to other uses. Further, it should beunderstood that certain elements of the disclosed embodiments may becombined or exchanged with one another.

The techniques presented and claimed herein are referenced and appliedto material objects and concrete examples of a practical nature thatdemonstrably improve the present technical field and, as such, are notabstract, intangible or purely theoretical. Further, if any claimsappended to the end of this specification contain one or more elementsdesignated as “means for [perform]ing [a function] . . . ” or “step for[perform]ing [a function] . . . ”, it is intended that such elements areto be interpreted under 35 U.S.C. 112(f). However, for any claimscontaining elements designated in any other manner, it is intended thatsuch elements are not to be interpreted under 35 U.S.C. 112(f).

The invention claimed is:
 1. A system comprising: a headgear; and aheadpiece configured to be worn by a user, the headpiece comprising: aset of mechanical fasteners configured to fasten and unfasten theheadgear to the headpiece; a set of magnetic fasteners configured tofasten and unfasten a head-mounted virtual reality/augmented reality(VR/AR) display system to the headpiece; and a knob configured to adjusta configuration or size of the headpiece.
 2. The system of claim 1,wherein the headpiece comprises a headband section and wherein the knobis positioned in an aft position on the headpiece.
 3. The system ofclaim 1, wherein the headpiece is configured for coupling to aparticular headgear of a plurality of headgears.
 4. The system of claim1, wherein the headpiece is configured for coupling to any headgear of aplurality of headgears including the headgear.
 5. The system of claim 1,wherein the set of magnetic fasteners are distributed across a frontportion of the headpiece.
 6. The system of claim 1, wherein a frontportion of the headpiece comprises a protrusion configured to mate witha corresponding recess of the head-mounted VR/AR display system.
 7. Thesystem of claim 1, wherein the headpiece comprises a forehead shelfsection configured to mate with the set of magnetic fasteners.
 8. Thesystem of claim 1, wherein a portion of the set of magnetic fastenersare located on a brim of the headpiece.
 9. The system of claim 1,comprising the head-mounted VR/AR display system, wherein thehead-mounted VR/AR display system comprises a corresponding set ofmagnetic fasteners configured to mate with the set of magneticfasteners.
 10. The system of claim 1, wherein the headgear comprises avisor.
 11. A system comprising: a headpiece configured to be worn by auser, the headpiece comprising: a set of mechanical fasteners thatfasten a headgear to the headpiece; a set of magnetic fastenersconfigured to fasten and unfasten a head-mounted virtualreality/augmented reality (VR/AR) display system to the headpiece; aknob configured to adjust a configuration or size of the headpiece; anda headband section.
 12. The system of claim 11, wherein the set ofmagnetic fasteners are positioned on a brim of the headpiece.
 13. Thesystem of claim 11, wherein the set of magnetic fasteners aredistributed across the headband section of the headpiece, wherein theheadband section is configured to surround a portion of a head of theuser when the headpiece is worn.
 14. The system of claim 11, wherein theheadpiece comprises a curved portion configured to extend from theheadband section of the headpiece and wherein the knob is coupled to theheadband section of the headpiece.
 15. The system of claim 11, whereinthe headgear is fastened to the headpiece and wherein the headgear, whenfastened, is configured to enable one or more features of thehead-mounted VR/AR display system.
 16. The system of claim 11, whereinthe head-mounted VR/AR display system is fastened to the headpiece andwherein the headgear is fastened to the headpiece.
 17. The system ofclaim 11, wherein the headgear comprises a visor.
 18. A method forconfiguring a scaffolding system, the method comprising: receiving aheadpiece of the scaffolding system, the headpiece comprising a firstset of fasteners configured to be fastened to a headgear and a secondset of fasteners configured to be fastened to a head-mounted virtualreality/augmented reality (VR/AR) display system; selecting a headgearfrom a set of headgears to fasten to the headpiece of the scaffoldingsystem, wherein each headgear from the set of headgears has matingfeatures complimentary to the first set of fasteners; and fastening theheadgear to the headpiece via the first set of fasteners and not thesecond set of fasteners.
 19. The method of claim 18, comprisingfastening the head-mounted VR/AR display system to the headpiece via thesecond set of fasteners.
 20. The method of claim 18, wherein theheadgear comprises a visor.